Hydrogen Train Debuts on San Bernardino Arrow Route

The first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S. began service in California on September 13, 2025.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Hydrogen Train Debuts on San Bernardino Arrow Route

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Should regional transit agencies prioritize hydrogen-powered trains over traditional rail electrification?

A hydrogen-powered trainset manufactured in Switzerland officially entered passenger service on the Metrolink Arrow route in San Bernardino on September 13, 2025. This historic deployment marks the first time a hydrogen train in the United States has complied with Federal Railroad Administration standards.

Why it matters

The agency opted for hydrogen propulsion over battery-electric technology to ensure the necessary range required for continuous daily operation. This shift to zero-emission propulsion represents a key component of the local sustainability planning for the Arrow line.

The trainset reaches a maximum speed of 130 km/h and accommodates 108 passengers across its five-station route. The Arrow commuter line spans 14.5 kilometers in total length.

The players

SBCTA

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is the agency responsible for local transit planning and the operation of the Arrow route.

Federal Railroad Administration

This federal agency is responsible for enforcing safety regulations and standards for all rail transportation systems operating within the United States.

Stadler

The Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer is responsible for producing the Flirt H2 hydrogen-powered trainset used on the Arrow route.

The details

A fuel cell generates electricity to charge an onboard battery system, which in turn powers the train's traction motors and HVAC. The design incorporates a regenerative braking system that captures and stores energy for future use.

November 2019: SBCTA ordered the first hydrogen trainset unit.
October 2022: The Arrow commuter line opened to the public.
Mid-2024: The trainset arrived in San Bernardino.
September 13, 2025: The trainset entered passenger service.

Roadmap

This deployment signals a departure from the traditional reliance on electrified or diesel rail infrastructure, which accounts for only 1% of the total rail lines in the United States. It positions the region at the forefront of alternative propulsion in an industry otherwise dominated by legacy power systems.

Commuters on the Arrow route can now access the zero-emission train during daily service between San Bernardino and Redlands. Riders will experience a new mode of transit that avoids the noise and emissions associated with traditional diesel locomotives.

The takeaway

This development proves that hydrogen technology can serve as a viable, long-range alternative to battery-powered rail in high-frequency transit corridors. Local planners and transit agencies can use this success to assess the feasibility of scaling zero-emission technology across larger regional networks.